Race winner donates $500 to family of deceased driver Niokoa Johnson

Robbie “the Rocket” Smith is learning to race with his head and lead with his heart.

By Andy FillmoreCorrespondent

Robbie “the Rocket” Smith is learning to race with his head and lead with his heart.

Robbie won the Mike Peters Open In Memory of Niokoa Johnson Mini Sprint class race at the 3/8-mile Bubba Raceway Park in Zuber in early April. He immediately donated his $500 purse to the family of racer Niokoa Johnson, 15, who died from the injuries she sustained during a practice lap at the track on March 22.

“It was the least we could do. Other racers donated also,” said Robbie, 15, a freshman at Vanguard High School.

“Robbie’s contribution is huge, especially when racers usually need funds to maintain their cars,” said Jim Snyder, part of the management team at Bubba Raceway Park.

Robbie’s parents, Rob and Jeannie Smith, moved here from West Palm Beach about 20 years ago. Robbie’s racing experience began with go-karts at age 8. He earned a championship title in 2008 in Fruitland Park and a Florida/Georgia title in 2011. He started racing mini sprints at 13, often competing against men three and four times his age.

Robbie’s current race car, No. 77, is an 800-pound, 145 hp, mini sprint, which is powered by a 750cc Suzuki motorcycle engine. It can be raced with or without a large adjustable wing.

Robbie has been involved in the Florida Mini Sprint Association since late last year and is currently in second place in points among 41 drivers. He was in first place until a recent mishap in Lake City that ended with a broken axle.

The association holds points races at tracks including Bubba Raceway Park, Volusia Speedway in Barberville, East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa and North Florida Speedway in Lake City, according to www.flminisprints.com. The site claims the cars can reach speeds up to 130 mph.

“Robbie wheels it good. He has a lot of potential,” said Jesse Teed with the association.

Robbie also races at the Marion County Speedway, a track known as “the Bullring.”

Rob Smith, a veteran stock car driver, said older drivers may try to unnerve Robbie, but they still “appreciate Robbie’s talent.”

Rob Smith said safety is a main focus for his son’s racing efforts.

“I have full safety equipment, including a fire suit, shoes and gloves and a head and neck restraint. The car has a full containment seat. My dad tugs my safety harness belts before I enter each race,” Robbie said.

The young racer said he maintains focus on the driving in a race, regardless of the distractions.

“I learned that from my dad,” Robbie said.

He said he is working on improving his communication from the car during the race, giving feedback to his dad.

“A lot of racing is mental,” Robbie said.

Jeannie Smith said her son must maintain A’s and B’s in school to be allowed to race.

Racing also was a family affair for the Johnsons, and Snyder said local racers have rallied to help Niokoa’s family members in the wake of her death.

“There has been an outpouring of support. Over $5,000 was donated the night of the Mike Peters Open,” Synder said, adding that efforts such as “pass the helmet” for donations were being seen at many area motorsports events.

Bubba Raceway Park owner Bubba Clem, a radio personality known as Bubba the Love Sponge, set up the Bubba the Love Sponge Foundation in 2008. Since then, more than $420,000 has been raised and donated for various causes, according to www.btlsfoundation.com. There is a place on the site to make donations for the Johnson family.